Illinois Democrats Criticize GOP Lawmakers for Promoting Rebuild Illinois Projects They Opposed (Springfield, IL) – The Democratic Party of Illinois is criticizing several Republican state lawmakers for highlighting infrastructure projects in their districts that were funded through the state’s Rebuild Illinois Capital Program after voting against the legislation that created it.
In a statement released this week, the party said Republican legislators have celebrated a combined $256 million in infrastructure investments generated by the $25.4 billion Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, despite opposing the measure when it passed the General Assembly in 2019.
“Republican legislators want it both ways: vote no on infrastructure funding, then brag about it when it benefits their communities,” Democratic Party of Illinois spokesperson Gwen Pepin said. “As they ask Illinoisans for another term in Springfield, voters deserve to know the truth. Their representatives voted against the very investments now improving their quality of life.”
The Rebuild Illinois Capital Program, approved in June 2019, authorized $25.4 billion in funding for transportation, higher education, and public infrastructure projects throughout the state. The program finances road and bridge improvements, transit projects, school construction, and other capital investments.
According to the Democratic Party of Illinois, the lawmakers cited in the statement include:
Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), who voted against Rebuild Illinois but later highlighted $112,500 in infrastructure funding for the City of Lanark in March 2026.
Rep. Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), who opposed the legislation before announcing $35 million in Rebuild Illinois funding for improvements to Illinois Route 133 in October 2025.
Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry), who voted against the capital package but later applauded more than $205 million in Illinois Department of Transportation investments announced for his district in June 2024.
Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa), who opposed the legislation before promoting $15.8 million in Rebuild Illinois funding awarded to McHenry County College in August 2020.
Democrats argue the examples illustrate a pattern of lawmakers voting against statewide spending packages while later publicizing projects funded by those same measures after they become law.
Republican lawmakers have previously argued that voting against large spending packages can reflect concerns over overall legislation, funding mechanisms, or other provisions while still supporting projects that benefit their constituents once funding has been approved.
The Rebuild Illinois Capital Program remains one of the largest infrastructure investment initiatives in Illinois history and has funded thousands of transportation and public works projects across the state since its enactment.
Illinois Democrats Criticize GOP Lawmakers for Promoting Rebuild Illinois Projects They Opposed
